If it were an isolated event, the trade kerfuffle at a port in north-east China would be nothing to worry about. But in the context of recent global events, it's a ratcheting up of diplomatic tensions, writes business editor Ian Verrender.

The unemployment rate in Western Australia has reached its highest since 2002 and, despite a new promise of 150,000 more jobs, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry warns there will be more short-term pain before any long-term employment gains.